Cine cameras and film projectors from China

0% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, cinematographic cameras and projectors, heading 9007, carried 0% on goods from China for cameras, projectors and their parts. Image projectors other than cinematographic, and photographic enlargers and reducers, heading 9008, also carried 0%, as did their parts and accessories. No line carried an anti-dumping measure. For photographic film sourcing, see our photographic film guide.

Digital video projectors are classified as monitors and projectors under heading 8528 (see our monitors and projectors guide), and digital cameras under 8525, so confirm the commodity code. Lenses are covered in our camera lenses guide. For still photography, see our sourcing guide to instant cameras and camera flashes.

Electrical safety

Mains-powered projectors and enlargers fall under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and electromagnetic compatibility rules, with UKCA or CE marking for Great Britain, a declaration of conformity, a UK plug or approved adaptor, and WEEE obligations. High-intensity lamps need guarding, cooling and clear lamp-change instructions.

Specifying projectors

Specify film gauge and format, frame rates, light source type and output, lens focal lengths, sound reader type, reel capacity, gate and sprocket design, voltage, and spare lamps, belts and parts. For the accompanying screen, see our projection screen sourcing guide.

Worked duty example

An invented example rather than a quote: 20 35 mm film projectors, commodity code 9007 20 00 90, bought for £60,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance, so £62,500 is the value customs works from. No duty is due on film projectors; import VAT at 20% of £62,500 is £12,500. If you are VAT-registered, that VAT is normally reclaimable. See calculating UK import duty and VAT for the method.

Inspection checklist

Picture: run test film and check steadiness, focus across the frame, light evenness and scratching of the film.

Mechanics: check the gate, sprockets and take-up for smooth transport and no film damage over a full reel.

Electrics and packing: check earthing, lamp housing cooling and interlocks, and that units are cushioned for transit.

What goes wrong

Projector orders fail on film handling, optics and parts. Gates scratch film, pictures weave, lamps overheat, sound readers drift, and spare parts are hard to get once the order is delivered.

Test with film, check transport over full reels, and order spares with the machines. See our quality inspection guide.

Cambridge China Bridge sources cine and slide projectors for UK cinemas, archives and schools, from a first trial order to scheduled full containers; the factory's minimum per model is stated in the quote. See small orders.

Related guides: Sourcing projection screens from China.